About two weeks after Marvin Harrison Jr. was selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL draft, BJ Ojulari received a surprising message from Arizona's equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer. The message detailed a potential conflict over the jersey number both players desired. Harrison Jr. and Ojulari had worn the number 18 during their respective collegiate careers—Harrison Jr. with the Ohio State Buckeyes and Ojulari with the LSU Tigers.
During his final season at LSU, Ojulari was awarded the number 18, a highly coveted honor bestowed upon the best all-around player for their character, academics, and leadership traits. This number carried weight and significance for Ojulari, symbolizing a rewarding culmination of his college career. When Ojulari wore the number 18, LSU clinched the SEC Western Division title, further encapsulating the importance of this number to him personally.
The number 18 had undeniably been a badge of honor for Ojulari. Reflecting on what the number meant to him, Ojulari said, "It meant everything to me. It was really important to me." This sentimentality made the potential jersey number conflict a delicate situation.
A Familiar Rivalry
Interestingly, the relationship between Ojulari and Harrison Jr. isn't a new one. The two had already crossed paths in high school in 2019, with Ojulari representing Marietta High School and Harrison Jr. playing for St. Joseph's Prep. Their history added another layer of complexity to the situation.
In handling the jersey number conundrum, Ojulari and Harrison Jr. decided to communicate directly. They initiated a dialogue over text and phone to discuss the possibility of sharing or transferring the cherished number 18. "We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number," Ojulari recounted.
A Selfless Decision
Ultimately, Ojulari made the selfless decision to give up the number 18 jersey for Harrison Jr. Despite the emotional attachment and honor associated with the number, Ojulari said the decision came naturally to him. "It wasn’t a hard decision," Ojulari stated. It's worth noting that no money exchanged hands in this process; it was purely a gesture of goodwill and team spirit.
Harrison Jr. was appreciative and touched by Ojulari's gesture. "We had a great conversation. I can’t be more grateful and appreciative for him to allow me to get that number 18. I know it means a lot to him," Harrison Jr. expressed. Such mutual respect speaks volumes about both players' character and dedication to the team.
Team Above All
Ojulari's decision to part with the number 18 and opt for his new jersey number, 9, embodies the essence of teamwork and sacrifice. "He’s a great guy. I feel like he deserves it. He’s gonna be instrumental for us in the offensive strike. So, it was a no-brainer. The team comes first and whatever I can do to make us more successful, I’ll do," Ojulari commented, reinforcing his commitment to the team's success above individual accolades.
For Ojulari, although the number has changed, the memories and values it represented remain. "It was such a blessing to have number 18, wearing number 18 my first year. I’m always gonna cherish that rookie jersey, just that number 18. So, it meant everything to me," he reflected, highlighting the lasting impact of his time with the revered jersey number.
In a league where jersey numbers often carry deep personal significance, the story of Ojulari and Harrison Jr.'s number 18 is a testament to sportsmanship and the spirit of compromise in the pursuit of collective success. Their decision showcases maturity and respect and sets a standard for how to navigate similar conflicts with grace and understanding. As they embark on their NFL careers with the Arizona Cardinals, their actions off the field have already set a positive tone for the season ahead.